Tooth pain can strike without warning, and when it’s caused by a dental abscess, waiting for it to go away on its own can lead to serious complications. At ASAP Dental Care, we offer same day dental appointments in Jacksonville, FL and surrounding areas so you can get fast relief from abscessed teeth and other dental emergencies.Here’s what you need to know about abscessed tooth symptoms, treatment options, and why early intervention is critical.
What Is a Tooth Abscess?
An abscessis a pocket of pus that forms inside the body. Most abscesses form because of bacterial infections. Abscesses are a fairly common oral health issue that can form at the tip of a tooth root, in the gums, or in the bone socket around a tooth.A dental abscess is a type of infectionthat develops when bacteria enter the tooth through a crack, deep cavity, or failed dental work. No matter the type, an abscess is a serious condition that needs immediate dental care. Infections can spread quickly from the tooth to the jaw, face, or even vital organs if left untreated.At ASAP Dental Care, our team offers experience and expertise in providing emergency dental care. If you’re in pain and searching for a same day emergency dentist near me near Jacksonville, FL, don’t wait. Call us now to protect your health and get out of pain fast!Signs You Might Have an Abscessed Tooth
Not every toothache is an abscess, but here are some signs that indicate you should call your dentist right away:- Persistent, throbbing tooth pain
- Swelling in the gums, jaw, or cheek
- A bump or pimple-like lesion on the gums that may drain pus
- Pain when biting or chewing
- New or intense sensitivity to temperature changes, especially to heat
- Persistent bad breath or foul tastes in your mouth
- Fever or swollen lymph nodes coupled with dental problems or tooth pain
How Do Dentists Treat an Abscessed Tooth?
When you visit ASAP Dental Care for an abscess, we’ll begin with a gentle exam and digital X-rays to determine the extent of the infection. From there, your treatment options may include:1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are frequently the first step in treating a tooth abscess. This can stop the infection from spreading, start to relieve your pain, and make other treatments like root canal therapy more predictable. This also reduces your risk of systemic infection. However, antibiotics are not enough to properly treat an abscess (more on that in a moment).2. Draining the Abscess
In some cases, we may need to drain the pus to relieve pressure and pain. This is typically done as part of a larger treatment plan.3. Root Canal Therapy
For abscessed teeth, root canal treatmentis often the best way to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. Our dentists do this routinely and can provide a fast and comfortable root canal in Jacksonville to stop the infection at its source. After a root canal, we’ll typically recommend a dental crown to protect and stabilize your tooth.4. Tooth Extraction
If the tooth is too damaged to save, we may recommend a same day dental extraction to remove the infection and prevent further complications. In this case, we’ll wait for your infection to heal and then replace your tooth with a bridgeor implantto restore your complete smile.Will a Tooth Abscess Go Away with Antibiotics?
No, a dental abscess will not go away with antibiotics alone. Antibiotics can reduce the infection temporarily and may relieve your symptoms, but they don’t treat the root cause. That’s why antibiotics are usually just one part of a broader treatment plan.If the abscess is caused by tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or gum disease, that issue must be addressed in order to fully heal. Only a dentist can do that. If you’re in Jacksonville and need a same day dental appointment or root canal in Jacksonville, our team can evaluate your symptoms, provide pain relief, and start treatment immediately.If you’re one of our regular patients and you’re out of town, we may also be able to call in an antibiotic prescription to help relieve pain and start controlling your infection until you can either get into our office or see an emergency dentist near you.What Happens If I Don’t Treat an Abscess?
A dental abscess will not go away on its own. While the pain might lessen if the abscess drains, the infection is still active, and it can spread rapidly. In rare cases, untreated abscesses can lead to serious complications like:- Jawbone loss
- Facial cellulitis
- Sepsis (a life-threatening infection of the bloodstream)
- Brainor heartinfections
When to Seek Emergency Care
If you’re experiencing any of the following, you should seek emergency care immediately:- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Severe swelling in the face or jaw
- Fever and chills, along with tooth pain
- Pain that’s spreading to your ear, neck, or other teeth
Why Trust Our Team for Abscess Treatments in Jacksonville?
At ASAP Dental Care, we understand how stressful dental pain can be, especially when it strikes suddenly. That’s why we’ve built our practice around fast, accessible emergency care with a focus on compassion and clinical excellence.Here’s what you can expect from us:- Same-day dental appointmentsfor emergencies
- Jacksonville root canal specialists available to save infected teeth
- Same day emergency dentist near mewith multiple convenient locations
- Comfort-focused carefor a painless, low-stress experience
- Affordable optionswith insurance-friendly billing and flexible financing